Dodge Nitro. Manual - part 967

REAR WIPER AND WASHER SYSTEM 

If the rear wiper motor operates, but the wiper motor output shaft does not move, replace the ineffective rear 

CONDITION 

POSSIBLE CAUSES 

CORRECTION 

WIPER MOTOR DOES NOT 
OPERATE IN ANY SWITCH 
POSITION

1. Ineffective motor ground 
circuit.

1. Test and repair open wiper motor 
ground circuit if required.

2. Ineffective motor feed 
circuits.

2. Test and repair low speed and high 
speed feed circuits between TIPM and 
front wiper motor if required.

3. Ineffective EMIC (CCN) 
inputs or outputs.

3. Use a diagnostic scan tool to test the 
EMIC (CCN) inputs and outputs. Refer to 
the appropriate diagnostic information.

4. Ineffective TIPM inputs or 
outputs.

4. Use a diagnostic scan tool to test the 
TIPM inputs and outputs. Refer to the 
appropriate diagnostic information.

5. Ineffective wiper motor.

5. Test and replace open or shorted wiper 
motor as required.

WIPER MOTOR OPERATES 
SLOWLY IN ALL SWITCH 
POSITIONS

1. Ineffective wiper motor.

1. Check amperage draw with linkage 
disconnected from wiper motor crank 
arm. Correct draw should be about 6 
amperes. If incorrect, refer to the 
appropriate Possible Cause that follows:

2. Amperage draw too low.

2. Test and repair shorted low and high 
speed feed circuits if required.

3. Amperage draw too high.

3. With linkage disconnected from wiper 
motor crank arm check linkage and pivots 
for binding. If binding is detected, repair 
or replace front wiper module if required. 
If no linkage binding detected, replace 
the front wiper motor if required.

WIPERS RUN AT HIGH 
SPEED WITH SWITCH LOW 
SPEED SELECTED OR AT 
LOW SPEED WITH SWITCH 
HIGH SPEED SELECTED

1. Ineffective motor feed 
circuit wiring.

1. Test and repair low speed and high 
speed feed circuits between TIPM and 
front wiper motor if required.

WARNING:

To avoid serious or fatal injury on vehicles equipped with airbags, disable 
the supplemental restraint system before attempting any steering wheel, 
steering column, airbag, occupant classification system, seat belt 
tensioner, impact sensor, or instrument panel component diagnosis or 
service. Disconnect and isolate the battery negative (ground) cable, then 
wait two minutes for the system capacitor to discharge before performing 
further diagnosis or service. This is the only sure way to disable the 
supplemental restraint system. Failure to take the proper precautions 
could result in accidental airbag deployment.

 

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T 

2007 ACCESSORIES AND EQUIPMENT Wipers/Washers - Service Information - Nitro

  

wiper motor. If the washer pump/motor operates, but no washer fluid is dispensed on the glass; or, if the wiper 
operates, but chatters, lifts, or does not clear the glass, clean and inspect the rear wiper and washer system 
components as required. See CLEANING, and INSPECTION. 

The hard wired rear wiper and washer system circuits and components may be diagnosed using conventional 
diagnostic tools and procedures. Refer to the appropriate wiring information. The wiring information includes 
wiring diagrams, proper wire and connector repair procedures, details of wire harness routing and retention, 
connector pin-out information and location views for the various wire harness connectors, splices and grounds. 

However, conventional diagnostic methods will not prove conclusive in the diagnosis of the rear wiper and 
washer system or the electronic controls or communication between other modules and devices that provide 
some features of the rear wiper and washer system. The most reliable, efficient, and accurate means to diagnose 
the rear wiper and washer system or the electronic controls and communication related to rear wiper and washer 
system operation requires the use of a diagnostic scan tool. Refer to the appropriate diagnostic information. 

NOTE:

The rear wiper and washer switches are integral to the right multi-function 
switch. The right multi-function switch is hard wired to the left multi-function 
switch/Steering Control Module (SCM), which communicates with the Electro 
Mechanical Instrument Cluster (EMIC)/Cab Compartment Node (CCN) over the 
Local Interface Network (LIN) data bus. Before performing any of the following 
tests, determine whether the other functions of the right and left multi-function 
switch/SCM are operational. If only the right multi-function switch functions are 
inoperative, test and repair the right multi-function switch or the jumper 
harness between the right and left multi-function switches before attempting to 
repair the Rear Wiper and Washer System. If both the right and left multi-
function switch/SCM functions are ineffective, diagnose and repair that problem 
before attempting to repair the Rear Wiper and Washer System.

CONDITION 

POSSIBLE CAUSES 

CORRECTION 

WIPER MOTOR DOES NOT 
OPERATE IN ANY SWITCH 
POSITION

1. Ineffective motor ground 
circuit.

1. Test and repair open wiper motor 
ground circuit if required.

2. Ineffective motor feed 
circuits.

2. Test and repair motor feed circuit 
between TIPM and rear wiper motor if 
required.

3. Ineffective EMIC (CCN) 
inputs or outputs.

3. Use a diagnostic scan tool to test the 
EMIC (CCN) inputs and outputs. Refer to 
the appropriate diagnostic information.

4. Ineffective TIPM inputs or 
outputs.

4. Use a diagnostic scan tool to test the 
TIPM inputs and outputs. Refer to the 
appropriate diagnostic information.

5. Ineffective wiper motor.

5. Test and replace open or shorted wiper 
motor if required.

WIPER MOTOR OPERATES 
SLOWLY

1. Improper wiper motor 
amperage draw.

1. Check amperage draw with wiper arm 
disconnected from rear wiper motor 
output shaft. Correct draw should be 
about 6 amperes. If incorrect, refer to the 

 

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T 

2007 ACCESSORIES AND EQUIPMENT Wipers/Washers - Service Information - Nitro

  

CLEANING 

FRONT WIPER AND WASHER SYSTEM 

WIPER SYSTEM 

The squeegees of wiper blades exposed to the elements for a long time tend to lose their wiping effectiveness. 
Periodic cleaning of the squeegees is suggested to remove any deposits of salt or road film. The wiper blades, 
arms, and windshield glass should only be cleaned using a sponge or soft cloth and windshield washer fluid, a 
mild detergent, or a non-abrasive cleaner. If the wiper blades continue to leave streaks, smears, hazing, or 
beading on the glass after thorough cleaning of the squeegees and the glass, the entire wiper blade assembly 
must be replaced. 

WASHER SYSTEM 

If the washer system is contaminated with foreign material, drain the washer reservoir by removing the washer 
pump/motor unit from the reservoir. Clean foreign material from the inside of the washer pump inlet filter 
screen and the washer reservoir using clean washer fluid, a mild detergent, or a non-abrasive cleaner. Flush 

appropriate Possible Cause that follows:

2. Amperage draw too low.

2. Test and repair the shorted rear wiper 
motor signal and fused ignition switch 
output (run - accessory) circuits if 
required.

3. Amperage draw too high.

3. With wiper arm disconnected from 
wiper motor output shaft check for 
binding between output shaft and rubber 
grommet in liftgate glass. If binding is 
detected, lubricate or replace grommet if 
required. If no binding is detected, 
replace the wiper motor if required.

CAUTION: Protect the rubber squeegees of the wiper blades from any petroleum-

based cleaners, solvents, or contaminants. These products can rapidly 
deteriorate the rubber squeegees.

CAUTION: Never introduce petroleum-based cleaners, solvents, or contaminants into 

the washer system. These products can rapidly deteriorate the rubber 
seals and hoses of the washer system, as well as the rubber squeegees of 
the wiper blades.

CAUTION: Never use compressed air to flush the washer system plumbing. 

Compressed air pressures are too great for the washer system plumbing 
components and will result in further system damage. Never use sharp 
instruments to clear a plugged washer nozzle or damage to the nozzle 
orifice and improper nozzle spray patterns will result.

 

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T 

2007 ACCESSORIES AND EQUIPMENT Wipers/Washers - Service Information - Nitro

  

foreign material from the washer system plumbing by first disconnecting the washer hose from the washer 
nozzle, then running the washer pump/motor to run clean washer fluid or water through the system. A plugged 
or restricted washer nozzle should be carefully back-flushed using compressed air. If the washer nozzle 
obstruction cannot be cleared, replace the washer nozzle. 

REAR WIPER AND WASHER SYSTEM 

WIPER SYSTEM 

The squeegee of a wiper blade exposed to the elements for a long time tends to lose its wiping effectiveness. 
Periodic cleaning of the squeegee is suggested to remove any deposits of salt or road film. The wiper blade, 
arm, and liftgate glass should only be cleaned using a sponge or soft cloth and windshield washer fluid, a mild 
detergent, or a non-abrasive cleaner. If the wiper blade continues to leave streaks, smears, hazing, or beading on 
the glass after thorough cleaning of the squeegees and the glass, the entire wiper blade assembly must be 
replaced. 

WASHER SYSTEM 

If the washer system is contaminated with foreign material, drain the washer reservoir by removing the washer 
pump/motor from the reservoir. Clean foreign material from the inside of the washer pump/motor inlet filter 
screen and the washer reservoir using clean washer fluid, a mild detergent, or a non-abrasive cleaner. Flush 
foreign material from the washer system plumbing by first disconnecting the washer hose from the rear washer 
nozzle, then running the washer pump/motor to run clean washer fluid or water through the system. A plugged 
or restricted rear washer nozzle should be carefully back-flushed using compressed air. If the washer nozzle 
obstruction cannot be cleared, replace the rear washer nozzle. 

INSPECTION 

FRONT WIPER AND WASHER SYSTEM 

WIPER SYSTEM 

CAUTION: Protect the rubber squeegee of the wiper blade from any petroleum-based 

cleaners, solvents, or contaminants. These products can rapidly 
deteriorate the rubber squeegee.

CAUTION: Never introduce petroleum-based cleaners, solvents, or contaminants into 

the washer system. These products can rapidly deteriorate the rubber 
seals and hoses of the washer system, as well as the rubber squeegee of 
the wiper blade.

CAUTION: Never use compressed air to flush the washer system plumbing. 

Compressed air pressures are too great for the washer system plumbing 
components and will result in further system damage. Never use sharp 
instruments to clear a plugged washer nozzle or damage to the nozzle 
orifice and improper nozzle spray patterns will result.

 

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T 

2007 ACCESSORIES AND EQUIPMENT Wipers/Washers - Service Information - Nitro